Monday, February 26, 2007

Voting Yourself Out Of Existence?

By a 20-4 vote, Newton aldermen approved allowing residents who are not US citizens the right to vote in local elections.

Ted Hess-Mahan , alderman at large from Ward 3 , sponsored the measure, saying it is only fair that residents who pay taxes, send their kids to school, and own property in Newton should also be able to vote on measures that affect them. The overwhelming vote contrasts with 2005, when Hess-Mahan couldn’t drum up support for a similar proposal.

Mayor David Cohen must ask the city’s legislative delegation to file the proposal with the Legislature, which must approve it as a home-rule measure.

Hess-Mahan said Cambridge, Amherst, and Wayland are seeking similar approval.